Why is thorough cooking mandatory for corms, such as taro, before they are consumed?

Cooking is necessary to break down naturally occurring compounds that cause irritation if the corm is eaten raw.

A critical consideration when preparing corms like taro is the necessity of cooking them completely before ingestion. This requirement extends beyond simply improving palatability or achieving a desirable texture. Raw corms contain naturally occurring compounds that are irritating to the digestive system. The cooking process, whether boiling, steaming, or baking, effectively breaks down these irritants, rendering the corm safe for consumption. Furthermore, proper preparation unlocks the starches and nutrients, optimizing them for digestion and absorption, turning a potentially irritating raw food into a foundational, healthy staple.